Computational analysis of region-specific bone remodeling in the human femur via strain energy decomposition

This paper proposes a finite element model of bone remodeling that is applied to a two-dimensional human femur. Based on previous works, the model distinguishes between hydrostatic and deviatoric strain energy components in order to mimic their respective contributions to the remodeling stimulus. Three physiologically relevant loading conditions — muscular loading, bending-torsion, and twisting — were investigated to determine how localized mechanical stimuli affect the evolution of bone mass density, bulk modulus, and shear modulus. Our results indicate that remodeling responses are very region-specific and depend on both the manner and intensity of mechanical loading. Under muscular force, energy concentrations and remodeling activity were restricted to the femoral neck and mid-diaphysis. Torsional loads created larger deviatoric energy fields, particularly in the femoral shaft and neck, resulting in increased shear modulus. The model’s sensitivity to strain mode was validated by comparison with prior simulations on circular and square geometries, while additional asymmetries due to realistic bone structure were revealed. These findings give mechanistic insight into functional adaptability as well as a computational underpinning for patient-specific fracture risk assessments and treatment planning.